Vernon

Vernon, BC, incorporated as a city in 1892, population 38 150 (2011c), 35 979 (2006c).

Vernon, BC, incorporated as a city in 1892, population 38 150 (2011c), 35 979 (2006c). The City of Vernon is located in the North Okanagan Valley, nestled between Okanagan, Kalamalka and Swan lakes. The area's first inhabitants, the Interior Salish, were semi-nomadic, following the seasonal sources of animal and plant foods. The first name given to this location was the Salish Nintle Moos Chin or "jumping over place where the creek narrows," which describes a section of Swan Lake Creek that now passes under Vernon's main street.

Aerial view of Vernon, BC (courtesy City of Vernon).

Fur traders began travelling through the area after David Stuart explored for the Pacific Fur Company in 1811. The presence of priests in the valley circa 1859 led to a second name, Priest's Valley. The first settlement in what was to become Vernon began in the 1860s, following the discovery of gold in the nearby Monashee Mountains. The establishment of several large ranches followed. A townsite, Centreville, was laid out in 1885 and the name was changed to Vernon in 1887 in honour of Forbes George Vernon, a pioneer settler who became chief commissioner of Lands and Works for British Columbia.

Development of the city and area surged ahead when the Shuswap and Okanagan Railway was constructed, connecting Sicamous, on the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) mainline, to Vernon in 1891. An extension of the railway to nearby Okanagan Landing led to the launching of the first CPR sternwheeler, the SS Aberdeen, on Okanagan Lake in 1893. Fruit growing began in the early 1890s but agriculture greatly progressed when an irrigation ditch, the Grey Canal, was built in 1906 to supply water to farms and orchards surrounding Vernon.

Vernon's military history began in 1908 with the formation of the Okanagan Mounted Rifles. The establishment of a military training camp brought thousands of recruits to Vernon during World War I and II. This camp continues to function today as a summer training centre for cadets.

Vernon is now a prosperous marketing and distribution centre for the northern Okanagan Valley. Lumber, agriculture, light manufacturing and tourism form the economic base. Okanagan College, created in 1968, offers an advanced education for the growing population. City attractions include a museum and archives, art gallery, performing arts centre, science centre, sports complex and nature centre.